Sport

Pretorius to join Worcester

Worcester have announced the signing of Wales international back-row forward Andries Pretorius.

The South Africa-born player will move to Sixways from Cardiff Blues at the end of this season.

He qualified for Wales on residency grounds and made his Test debut during last summer's tour of Japan. He captained the Blues last season.

Pretorius, though, could find himself playing Championship rugby next term unless Worcester can turn around their current Aviva Premiership position.

At the league season's halfway point, the Warriors are 10 points adrift of 11th-placed London Irish. They tackle the Exiles on Saturday.

"I have loved my time at Cardiff Blues," Pretorius said.

"I will continue to give Cardiff 100 per cent until the end of the season. My focus will then turn to Worcester."

Warriors rugby director Dean Ryan added: "I am delighted that Andries has chosen to join the club as we build for the future to become a competitive force in the Aviva Premiership.

"We have seen two of our top players extend their contracts last month, which demonstrates that current players and those we are seeking to bring to the club buy into our vision of building for the long-term.

"Andries has a proven track record, so we look forward to welcoming him to Sixways in the summer."